Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary, Colombia

Abstract

Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary is an isolated oceanic habitat and a large marine protected area 506 km off Colombia’s Pacific Coast. The area represents the largest no-fishing zone in the Eastern Tropical Pacific and lies within an oceanic system known as the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Wilderness, unified by the movements of major oceanic currents and countercurrents related to the winds. The site is a major source of nutrients resulting in large aggregations of marine biodiversity. The rugged underwater topography reaches a depth of 3400 m. The varied underwater mountain seascape and the excellent state of conservation make the site an “ocean oasis.” It has some of the best diving in the world and is terrestrially barren and unlikely to be developed.